Abraham Lincoln 

Curator: Before us hangs LeRoy Neiman's acrylic on board painting entitled "Abraham Lincoln." It’s an unexpected take on a familiar face. Editor: Striking, isn't it? It’s almost unsettling—the mosaic of colors, the way the face seems to coalesce from chaos. Very expressive and rather intense. Curator: Indeed. Neiman’s Abstract Expressionist style is unmistakable. Notice how color and brushstroke are prioritized over a mimetic representation, though it clearly evokes Lincoln. The use of complementary colors—the juxtaposition of blues and oranges—creates a sense of visual tension. Editor: But that’s the power of this portrait, isn't it? Lincoln, a figure of intense historical importance, often depicted in stoic poses, is given this vibrant, almost frenetic energy. Neiman made his name capturing sports and celebrities, what made him turn to Lincoln? This approach defies the somber weight usually associated with portrayals of Lincoln and, instead, maybe hints at the internal turmoil that shaped him. It breaks from the traditional heroic imagery that dominated presidential portraiture. Curator: Precisely. While Neiman painted him later in his career, in terms of visual language, there’s a directness here that recalls earlier works. His gestural abstraction reflects, or perhaps even comments on, the historical legacy. It's not merely about surface resemblance, but about communicating something deeper through painterly form. The vibrant chaos could represent the turmoil of the Civil War. Editor: Absolutely. I mean, we see Lincoln through the lens of Civil Rights. This painting maybe shows how we keep wrestling with his legacy, as our understanding keeps evolving, even now. It reflects not just Lincoln's image, but also America's continuous reimagining of its history. Curator: I agree, this vivid portrayal reminds us that even historical figures are subjects of ongoing interpretation. The artist has used bold colors to challenge our perceptions and inspire new questions, as our analysis has explored today. Editor: Indeed. Neiman provides a powerful reminder that how we choose to remember our past has always reflected, and continues to reflect, our present.